Abstract: A vehicle equipped with an operator presence detector comprises an optional first detector located and configured to detect an object positioned over a threshold to the operator compartment; a second detector located and configured to detect an operator's left lower extremity when the left lower extremity is located in the operator compartment; and a third detector located and configured to detect an operator's right lower extremity when the right lower extremity is located in the operator compartment. The second detector and the third detector are positioned such that (i) an operator cannot use the left lower extremity to trigger both the second detector and the third detector and (ii) an operator cannot use the right lower extremity to trigger both the second detector and the third detector.

Abstract: A vehicle equipped with an operator presence detector comprises an optional first detector located and configured to detect an object positioned over a threshold to the operator compartment; a second detector located and configured to detect an operator's left lower extremity when the left lower extremity is located in the operator compartment; and a third detector located and configured to detect an operator's right lower extremity when the right lower extremity is located in the operator compartment. The second detector and the third detector are positioned such that (i) an operator cannot use the left lower extremity to trigger both the second detector and the third detector and (ii) an operator cannot use the right lower extremity to trigger both the second detector and the third detector.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.

Abstract: A system for capturing regenerative energy includes a battery configured to provide power for a traction motor and other operations of a vehicle and a capacitor connected to the battery. An auxiliary motor is configured to operate as a generator during a regenerative energy operation. The system further includes a controller configured to direct the regenerative energy to the capacitor during the regenerative energy operation and discharge the capacitor to provide power to the traction motor or for the other operations of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.

Abstract: A system for capturing regenerative energy includes a battery configured to provide power for a traction motor and other operations of a vehicle and a capacitor connected to the battery. An auxiliary motor is configured to operate as a generator during a regenerative energy operation. The system further includes a controller configured to direct the regenerative energy to the capacitor during the regenerative energy operation and discharge the capacitor to provide power to the traction motor or for the other operations of the vehicle.